Vaux is a significant brownfield
regeneration site opportunity.

Step in the right direction for Sunderland’s Vaux site

21/06/2010

Sunderland City Council has announced a significant step forward on the Vaux site, following discussions with Tesco.

Agreement has now been reached in principle for Regional Development Agency One North East to buy the site from owners Tesco.

Plans are to develop the former Vaux brewery site into a new business district - to attract new developments, create jobs and further improve the city’s economy.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson said: “I am pleased to announce that Tesco has signed an agreement in principle to transfer ownership of the Vaux site to One North East.

“This is a significant step forward in the redevelopment of this key strategic site. It has been achieved as a result of lengthy but very productive negotiations between the City Council, its partners and Tesco.

“The development of the site is still some way off and it’s vital for Sunderland’s future prosperity that we get it right.

“I am confident that I can rely on all Elected Members in Sunderland City Council to continue to give their commitment and support the re-development of the Vaux site, for the benefit of the whole city and region.”

The City Council and its partners are in the final stages of developing an Economic Masterplan for Sunderland that will set out plans for regenerating the city, attracting businesses to invest and improving the skills, prosperity and lives of Sunderland people.

This is a long-term plan and successfully developing the Vaux site into a business hub is a key to its success.

Tesco has confirmed that it intends to focus on its plans for a supermarket on the Sunderland Retail Park site in Roker. Tesco is expected to submit a revised planning application for this major investment shortly. These plans will benefit Sunderland people in the short term by widening the quality retail offer and creating jobs.

Doug Wilson, Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco, said: “We have been working closely with Sunderland City Council and other public sector bodies to resolve the status of the Vaux site and this agreement reflects a new spirit of partnership between us. Tesco remains committed to making a major investment into the city and today’s announcement is a significant step towards making this happen.”

The agreement has been widely welcomed in not just Sunderland but across the North East region.

David Walker, Chief Executive of urban regeneration agency Sunderland arc, said: “This is great news for Sunderland. This landmark deal will enable us to push forward with our plans for a new business district that will bring more jobs and spend into the city. This in turn will drive the demand for hotels, homes, shops and leisure across the city centre. 

“We will continue to work with the private sector on how we can progress development on this site during the challenging economic climate.”

Pat Ritchie, Regional Director of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), said: “This is a very positive step which can unlock further progress on two major regeneration sites in Sunderland. Public and private sectors have come together to find a positive solution to bring maximum benefit to the city.

“In time, the Vaux site will play a key role in attracting jobs and investment to the city, in a high quality business and residential riverside location.”

Margaret Fay, Chairman of One North East, said: “This is excellent news for Sunderland and for the North East. The development of the former Vaux brewery land is pivotal to the future prosperity of the city centre.

“We will be working very closely with partners at Sunderland City Council, Sunderland arc and the Homes and Communities Agency to secure new investment and bring forward new development on this site.”

Janet Johnson, the City Council’s Deputy Chief Executive said: “Tesco’s agreement to the release of the Vaux site is an important step. However we must be mindful of the current economic climate and in the meantime people must understand that there might be no movement on site in the immediate future.

“Progress on the re-development of the site is dependent on a number of factors including procuring a developer and making adjustments to realign St Mary’s Way. That said, I feel that with the new spirit of co-operation between Tesco and the City Council, and the ongoing support of our partners that we will achieve our vision for the Vaux site and for Sunderland.”

ENDS
Notes for editors:
The Vaux site of 10.44ha (26 acres) is on the south side of the northern edge of Sunderland city centre. It is one of the North East’s most significant Brownfield regeneration sites.
 

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